"For the first time since injuring a quad muscle on the Rams' first play from scrimmage this season, Steven Jackson returned to his rightful spot as the focal point of the St. Louis offense Sunday.

For a while, at least.

Jackson did not re-injure himself in the Rams' 17-10 loss to Washington on Sunday afternoon at the Edward Jones Dome, but his effectiveness was limited as the Rams once again played from behind.

Jackson, whose number was called on each of the Rams' first five plays from scrimmage, rushed 17 times for 45 yards and hauled in four passes for 19 yards, including a 15-yarder for the Rams' lone touchdown.

"I knew he was ready," coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "He said, 'I'm going to give it a full go on Friday,' and he felt pretty good, so I thought it'd be smart to use him.""